On a hot and windy Saturday afternoon, 5 intrepid Grantham Running Club runners took part in the Bassingham Bash, a 5 mile road race renowned for producing fast times, and one of our GRC GP races.
Four were organised and made the obligatory glamour photo shoot… Alan Carley, Niall OʻFaoláin, Tommy Napier and Peter Jennings. Sam Jepson booked in with minutes to spare and was running with a family friend, who was aiming for a sub-40 time.
The sun and wind were to prove a real challenge. As Tommy noted, he ” had to really grind out a sub-43 under the relentless sunlamp”.
The first back for GRC was the speedy Alan in an impressive 34:50, followed a few minutes later by race newbie Niall, in 36:34, and Peter in 36:56. Incredibly, Niall also achieved his fastest 5km time in the first 5km of the race.
Sam stuck to his task of helping Claire achieve her target, both crossing the line 7-8 seconds under the 40-minute mark.
Tommy finished in 42:53 and was glad the torture was over, but he is already looking forward to next year, too.
First man was Titouan Le Grix in 24:30 and first lady was Evie Jasmine Brooks in 28:39 of Lincoln Wellington AC.